Program Overview

Both philosophical and literary works ask us to reflect deeply on human experience, but often using interestingly different methods. Our Philosophy and Literature (BA) degree gives you a chance to engage with the wide range of methods and human capacities – thought experiment, dialogue, argument, storytelling, conceptual analysis, imagination and feeling – that contribute to inquiry and understanding.

The course gives you strong training in both subjects as well as great flexibility in how you focus your studies. Year One includes an interdisciplinary core module that introduces students to joint study of Philosophy and Literature, and in Years Two and Three there is one core module and a huge array of options, including modules that combine the subjects. You have the opportunity to do a jointly supervised dissertation or independent project on a combined topic. You take module options in both departments in all years, and there is a free third year option in any subject.

You may choose to apply for an intercalated year, spent either studying abroad or on a work placement. This extends the duration of your degree to four years, with your third year spent abroad or on placement, and will be reflected in your degree qualification (i.e. BA Philosophy and Literature with Intercalated Year).

Study abroad
We run successful undergraduate exchanges with Queen’s University, Ontario, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, enabling second-year Philosophy students (single or joint honours) to compete for the chance to spend a full year studying in North America. Modules and examinations taken at Queen’s and Madison count towards your degree.